Clarkston United Methodist Church is pleased to have a new staff offering plenty of energy, hope and faith.
After listening to input from the congregation, church staff members realized they needed to make some changes. They decided to reconfigure the staff to better meet the needs of the spiritual growth of the church and also the needs of the community.
In order to do that, Clarkston United Methodist Church brought in some gifted people.
Reverand Christine Wyatt, Minister of Adult Education and Decipleship; Jennie Linenger, Assistant Youth Director; Sue Maulbetsch, Director of Children and Family Ministries; Sherrie VanderVeen, Director of Congregational Care; Abby Whiteford, Youth Director; and Rick Dake, Senior Pastor.
According to Christine Wyatt the previous staff members either retired, or were moved into these new positions.
For the staff, the theme is improvement.They wanted to improve every aspect of the church, utilizing all programs and members to the fullest extent. Because some of the staff members had already put in time at the church, moving into a new position was exciting; and these individuals took full advantage of their positions and authority.
The church offers many programs for youths and adults, and is honored that many non-members participate in their programs.
‘We have over 260 kids in our youth programs,? said Linenger. ‘These kids are from all areas including Clarkston.?
The new staff joined together to form new programs and to improve exsisting ones. Each believes their purpose is to serve the church and that is exactly what they try to do.
‘Our vision statement has given us a whole new focus in our ministry,? said VanderVeen. ‘We are very intentional about caring about our congregation and to let people know our doors are open any time.?
The Clarkston United Methodist Church vision statement is simple: Vitally connecting people to people and people to God.
‘We are excitied about the vision the congregation shares for the future,? said Senior Pastor Rick Dake.
The team stressed that the church is about the people and offering help where it is needed, regardless if those people are members or not. In addition, the staff is focusing on adults as well ? bringing them back into the church environment.
Generosity is a characteristic these people share. They have donated time, money and respect to those in need.
‘We are looking forward to bringing in more youth and helping them know that this church is a safe-haven for them,? said Whiteford.
Wyatt believes her focus will not only be geared toward youths or parents, but also to bring them together as a family and set a program suitable for everyone.
The team describes the Clarkston United Methodist Church in a few, very forceful words: passionate, warmth, home and welcoming.